Sony confirms DRM policy on PS4 and PS5 is a “one-time check”

Sony has clarified that the DRM check for newly-bought digital games on PlayStation 4 and 5 is required only once after purchase.

In a statement to Game File, a Sony spokesperson said: “Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual. A one-time check is required after purchase to confirm the game’s license, after which no further checks are needed.”

This clarification follows reports of a 30-day timer on PS4 and PS5, with no explanation from Sony. Users raised concerns that access to digital games could be lost if a console stayed offline or if Sony’s servers were unavailable.

Further investigation by ResetEra user Andshrew indicated that completing an online check after 15 days converts the limited license to a permanent one.

They noted this period extends beyond PSN’s 14-day refund window, suggesting that “perhaps people were exploiting the fact that you could purchase a game, grab the indefinite license file from an exploitable PS4, and then refund the purchase.”

Eurogamer noted that the issue of a console’s inability to validate an online license if its CMOS battery has died still remains.

However, Sony has previously addressed this issue on its modern consoles.

Concerns about Sony’s one-time DRM are similar to those raised by the original Xbox One policy in 2013, which would have required a constant internet connection for stricter DRM.

Microsoft quickly removed this requirement after receiving backlash, and also lifted restrictions on sharing physical games.